May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
Not only is this a fine gun, it actually letters detailing a shipment back to Springfield armory on December 21, 1901. Like the majority of Artillery models, this example has mixed numbers and inspectors. The frame dates to the original shipment as a cavalry gun on September 13, 1878. This revolver has the folllowing parts: barrel numbered 8875 with single line Colt address, but inspector stamp is no longer legible; cylinder numbered 2341 with the almost illegible "DFC" inspection stamp for David Clark; frame numbered 47679 with the HN stamp for "Henry Nettleton"; left side of frame has the US stamp with three line patent legend; top of backstrap has the small "A" stamp for Ainsworth; one piece walnut grips that were fitted to this gun at the Springfield plant when it was returned and refinished in 1901, stamped with that date along with the script OCH cartouche of Ottus C. Horney along with block letter RAC at base for Rinaldo Carr, all on left panel only. According to Kopec, the Ampersand A on the trigger bow was probably applied when this gun was sent back and had a case color 1920s hammer installed. CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel retains at least 85% bright Colt blue. Nice blue in protected area of ejector housing. The cylinder still retains at least 40% bright blue, most of which is in the flutes. The frame retains flashes of case color but basically now a soft grey. The replaced hammer retains most of its bright case color. The grips are excellent with bold cartouche stamps and some normal impressions. The trigger guard retains generous bright blue as does the top 1" of back strap. All legends are strong except where noted. The action has crisp four stops. Bore is still bright. This is a sharp Artillery.
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Kopec Letter